k-f-l

Description

The Arabic root كفل (k-f-l) carries the core meaning of taking responsibility for someone or something, guaranteeing, or providing support and care. In the Quran, it appears in contexts related to guardianship (as when a man asks to take charge of someone), receiving a portion or share (whether of reward or burden), and the concept of surety or pledge. The root is also found in the name of the prophet Dhul-Kifl, whose name literally means "possessor of the pledge" or "one who takes responsibility," reflecting the semantic field of commitment and covenant that defines this root throughout Quranic usage.